More about: Transfer from/to Vienna
Your arrival in Vienna will probably be at the airport or the central train station. Here's how to get from there to your hotel in the city centre...
1. The best transfers from the airport and train station to Vienna city centre
The easiest way to arrive at any airport in the world is to opt for a private transfer to your hotel. This provides security and comfort, especially if you want to save energy so that you can visit the city once you've packed your bags.
However, for those looking to save on travel costs, there are other public transport options that nowadays connect the airports and main stations of major cities such as Vienna quite frequently.
2. Private transfer from the airport to the city
If you are arriving in Vienna by plane, the private transfer option from the airport to your hotel is the most convenient and effective, and I recommend that you book it in advance. Although you can reach the city centre by public transport, a private transfer will ensure you avoid waiting, save time and get straight to the door of your hotel.
How to book
You can book online, providing your flight details and hotel address. This way the driver will be able to meet you on the day of your arrival in Vienna at the right time, taking into account possible delays. When you make your booking you will receive an email with the necessary information; the driver will be waiting for you, usually in the arrivals area, with a name badge and will take you to your hotel.
Luggage
Luggage is included in the transfers, but if you are travelling with extra luggage, please specify this via email when making your booking so that it can be taken into account.
Transfer back to the airport
The private transfer service from your hotel to the airport works in the same way as the arrival transfer. At the time of booking you will need to provide your flight and hotel details so that they can plan the pick-up on the day of your return flight, calculating the time in advance you need to be at the airport.
3. Private transfer from the central train station to your hotel
If you do a quick internet search, you'll see that there are several train stations in Vienna, but the main one is called Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Hbf for short) and is located a short distance from the city centre (you can even walk there in about 40 minutes, although this can be quite uncomfortable if you're travelling with luggage).
The first thing you'll probably want to do when you arrive in Vienna is either get settled in your hotel or go out and explore the city. I dare say that waiting for a taxi, locating a bus stop or figuring out an underground map while dragging your luggage is not something to look forward to... If you want to avoid all this, I recommend you book a private transfer from the main train station to your hotel in advance.
Advantages of this service
This service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the week; if you arrive in Vienna in the early hours of the morning, you can still book this service. A professional driver will be waiting for you at the station with an identification badge and, once you hand over the voucher you will receive by e-mail when you make your booking, he will take you directly to your hotel.
You can book this transfer individually or for several people travelling with you.
Private return transfer from your hotel to the station
This private transfer service from your hotel to the central train station is also available for you to book on your return. The driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Vienna Central Railway Station, making sure you are there in plenty of time so that you don't miss your train. In both cases you will have enough space for your luggage.
4. Getting from Vienna Airport to the city centre by public transport
Thousands of passengers arrive at Vienna's international airport every day; this means that there is a wide range of connections to the city centre for those who want to use public transport.
City airport train
Connects the airport with Wien Mitte station in the city centre. It takes less than 20 minutes to get to the centre of Vienna and from there you can take the underground to your hotel. These trains run every half hour and are between 5.30am and 11pm. It costs 11 euros each way (also available to return to the airport from the city centre) and 19 euros if you buy a return ticket.
Regional train
With a regional train the journey will be less comfortable, but you will save a lot of money as a single ticket to the city centre costs around 4 euros. Depending on your destination, one line will suit you, but the main line to the city centre is the S-7, which runs from 4.50am to 12.15pm and takes about 25 minutes to Wien Mitte station.
Airliner bus
If your accommodation is well connected to the Vienna Erdberg bus terminal, this bus, which runs from 5am to 10pm, will get you there in about 15 minutes. The fare is about 5 euros, but be aware that this terminal is a bit far from the centre of Vienna.
Buses Vienna Airport lines
There are three lines that connect Vienna Airport with different parts of the city, so it may be useful to check their routes if you're staying far from the city centre. The VAL 2 line does drop you off in about 20 minutes in the centre of Vienna at Schwedenplatz, but it doesn't make any stops. It costs 8 euros and is also available to return to the airport from the centre or other parts of Vienna.
Taxi or Uber
In addition to these options, you can also choose to take a taxi or Uber to your hotel.
Ana's Traveller Tip
If you are going to use Vienna's public transport network, you can buy (either online or at the stations) a 24, 48 or 72-hour pass or a weekly or monthly card.
5. Getting from Vienna Central Train Station to the city centre by public transport
Despite the convenience of getting directly to your hotel from the train station, the possibility of getting to Vienna's city centre by public transport is tempting both in terms of price and convenience. There are several ways to do this:
Regional train
Vienna's local trains are the S-Bahn, and there are several lines running from the main train station to the city centre, depending on the location of your hotel. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the city centre and the advantage is that you don't have to leave the station. The train ticket costs about two euros and then you can connect to the metro.
Metro
If you want to take the underground directly (U-Bahn lines) without taking the train, you have the Südtiroler Platz stop on the U1 line to the left of the train station across the main avenue (Wiedner Gürtel). The price of an underground ticket is similar to the train fare and you can get a 24, 48 or 72 hour pass for unlimited use of public transport during your stay. In about 20 minutes you will arrive at Stephansplatz, near the Hofburg imperial palace.
Bus
Although it will take a little longer than by train or metro, you will find several bus stops outside Vienna Hbf station. Give the address of your hotel to one of the drivers and ask which line is the best way to get to your destination. Please note that luggage space may be limited if there are a lot of passengers.
Taxi or Uber
This is an option that may be of interest to you if you have arrived in Vienna without having hired private transport in advance and want to get directly to your hotel. You will have to wait in line and prices can vary; in the case of Uber, remember that when you access the application and enter the route you can see the cost before accepting the trip, while in the case of a taxi it will depend on the taximeter and traffic. It will take you about 15 minutes to get to the city centre.
6. You may also be interested in
You're already in Vienna, so it's time to start enjoying this dream city, so I recommend you take a look at these articles with the best recommendations on what to see and do in Vienna: